Same-sex marriage now legal in Germany

German MPs have legalised gay marriage after Angela Merkel dropped her opposition to a vote

Same-sex couples can now be legally married in Germany following a clear majority vote passed a bill in the German parliament today (30 June).

Gay couples, who were limited to civil unions, now have full marital rights

The vote took place just four days after Chancellor Angela Merkel dropped her opposition to a vote on the issue. The new bill was backed by 393 MPs, with 226 voting against and four abstaining.

Gay couples in the country – who were previously limited to taking part in civil unions – now have full marital rights, including the possibility of adopting children.

She decided to reverse her position after a ‘life changing’ experience in her constituency, where she had dinner with a lesbian couple who cared for eight foster children

Merkel had previously opposed a vote on the issue, saying that, for her, marriage is between a man and a woman. Despite voting against the new legislation, she decided to reverse her position on calling a vote after a ‘life changing’ experience in her home constituency, where she had dinner with a lesbian couple who cared for eight foster children.

The chancellor said she hoped the passing of the bill would lead to “more social cohesion and peace”.